University to reconsider naming lecture theatre after Jenni Murray after student outrage over 'transphobic' comments

'Hull University is to reconsider naming its lecture theatre after Jenni Murray after students protested, claiming that she has made “transphobic” comments.

The university refurbished six lecture theatres earlier this year and named them after prominent female alumnae, who were invited to an event on Monday evening to mark the opening of the new facilities.

Students gathered outside the event to protest, holding placards saying “trans women are real women” and “students against transphobia”.

Following the student protest, the university has now said it will “comprehensively review” its decision to name the lecture theatre after Dame Jenni.

The veteran BBC broadcaster and Women’s Hour presenter wrote a newspaper article last year in which she argued that trans women who have lived as men “with all the privilege that entails” do not have the experience of growing up female.

Dame Jenni has previously said that she “made very clear” in her article that she “fully support the right of trans women to be accorded the respect and protection I would demand for any human being, regardless of sex or gender”.

Kess Clunan, chair of Hull University’s student union council, said that naming a lecture theatre after Dami Jenni "legitimised the current thread of hatred for trans people in Britain”.'